Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Novaculite

Relatively rare, only rock formations found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are usually described as novaculite. The term derives from the Latin novacula, meaning “sharp knife” or “razor stone.” Such etymological roots are indicative of the sharpness of the edges of the rock when it has been chipped. Indeed, it was for the razor-like spearheads, dart points, and arrowheads that could be formed from the material that Native Americans primarily utilized the rock. Evidence suggests that tribes in North America began quarrying novaculite in Arkansas for such purposes as early as 3,000 years ago. In addition to local use, the stone was shipped to a number of outlying areas and traded throughout the Lower Mississippi Valley.